Private James Neate Dark Memorial

This war memorial is a white marble tablet dedicated to Private James Neate Dark who was killed in action in France on 7 June 1917. It is located inside the Anglican Christ Church in Dungog. It was erected by his parents and brothers of the Loyal Orange Lodge (L.O.L.) No. 93. 

While the date of the memorial has not been identified, the Dungog Chronicle, 27 October 1939 listed a number of memorials located within the church, including this tablet. 

About Private James Neate Dark

James Neate Dark was born at Raymond Terrace and attended the Dungog Superior Public School. A shop assistant of Dungog aged 19 years 7 months, he enlisted on 15 May 1916 at Broadmeadow NSW in the 36th Battalion. His unit embarked from Sydney on 17 October 1916. He was detached for duty with the 207th Machine Gun Company, Belgium on 21 May 1917 from the 36th Battalion and was killed in action on 7 June 1917. There is no known grave and he is commemorated in the Menin Gate Memorial in Belgium.

The Northern Champion (Taree), 14 July 1917 published a list of Australians who had died in the Great War, which included Private Dark. 

Following his death, the Dungog Chronicle-Durham and Gloucester Advertiser, 3 August 1917 published a letter received by his parents from his Commanding Officer, Captain A.M. Gelsthorpe, O.C. 207 Machine Gun Company, B.E.F. The letter outlined the circumstances of his death particularly with reference to his bravery. In part he stated: 'If there is anything I can do for you let me know and I shall be pleased to do it'.